Check Groupon for Deals on Halifax Things to Do

One great way to save on local fun things to do in Halifax is to peruse Groupon, the money-saving website that features local discounts in 150 cities. Visit the Halifax Groupon page and you’ll find savings of anywhere from 40-90% on attractions, tours, boat cruises, theatre tickets, dinner spots and accommodations. The Groupon Halifax page is a smart place to check out when you’re first planning your trip and even when you’re in the middle of your Halifax visit because new deals get added weekly and even daily many times.

Take a Tour on Land

City Bike Tour

Taking a tour is one of the best, cheap things you can do to familiarize yourself with everything Halifax has to offer. Make your way past the kilted driver and take a seat on the Deluxe Historic Halifax City Tour. On this three-hour tour you’ll learn the stories behind notable historic landmarks such as the Spring Garden Road area, the Province House, Old Town Clock, St Paul’s Church, City Hall, Grand Parade, Government House and Point Pleasant Park. You’ll also wind your way through the picturesque Victorian Halifax Public Gardens and the monumental Halifax Citadel National Historic Park, and visit the burial ground of some of the Titanic’s victims. Around $45 per adult. Feel like taking a tour with a different spin? Embark on a Halifax Shore Excursions: City Bike Tour. This two-hour bicycle tour takes you past the city’s must-see stuff. Group size is limited to eight people, so there’s ample opportunity to pepper your tour guide with questions. At $39 per person, it’s an affordable, fitness-included way to get to know the city.

Take a Tour on Water

Harbour Hopper

Enjoy a tour of the second largest harbor in the world by riding the Halifax Habour Ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth and then back again. Now this is without question one of the best, cheap things you can do in Halifax. A cash fare is a thrifty $2.25! Another cool way to explore the Halifax Habour is to travel back in time and set foot on an actual tall ship. The Tall Ship Silva is a 130-foot schooner. From May to September it welcomes tourists and locals aboard and sets sail for a one-of-a-kind tour of the harbor. You can even help do stuff like haul in lines, set sails and steer from the helm. At $22 for adults and $15 for kids under 15, it’s a great deal. If you’re looking for a way to discover the land and sea of Halifax in one shot, then hop aboard the Harbour Hopper for a guided tour. This former US military amphibious vehicle is capable of traversing both the ocean waters and the streets of Halifax. It’s a unique, entertaining and fun way to see the city sites and the Halifax waterfront. Adults are $30, children $17.

Take a Tour of a Famous Brewery

Alaxander Keith’s Brewery Tour

One in four beers sold in Nova Scotia is an Alexander Keith’s India Pale Ale, which is more than enough reason to sign up for the Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour. This cheap thing to do features actors in period costumes. They take you back in time with tales of the ale and days from Halifax’s past. Afterwards you’ll retire to the tavern for music, entertainment and, of course, a pint. Only $15 per adult, $6 for youth.

Feel the History

Pier 21

Walk through the doors where, between 1928 and 1971, over 1 million immigrants took their first steps on Canadian soil by visiting the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Relive their stories through pictures, videos and displays. You can even search through the archives and find the arrival information for your ancestors. Entry to the museum is very inexpensive: less than $10 per adult or only $22 for a family of five. If you’re an aircraft aficionado one of the best, cheap things you should do in Halifax is fly by the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum. Here you’ll find 24 vintage aircraft on display, including the only Avenger Firefighting plane on display in the world, as well as uniforms, medals, aircraft engines, weapons and other aviation memorabilia. Admission is by donation, but a suggested amount is $5—now that’s thrifty airfare!

Discover Science, History & Art

Art Gallery of Nova Scotia

For some hands-on science fun visit the Discovery Centre where you can satisfy your inner geek and expand your brain power checking out three floors of cool stuff including interactive science displays, activities and live shows. Admission to this place is a penny-pincher’s dream–just $10 for adults, $7 for kids. The Museum of Natural History has all kinds of neat stuff for nature nuts. Check out the live hive of honey bees, stand still and let a butterfly land on your shoulder in the Butterfly House, see amazing displays of creatures from the land and sea, and don’t forget to visit Gus, the museum’s ancient, 90-year-old gopher tortoise. Exploring this place is a truly a cheap thing to do. An adult ticket is around $6, youth under $4 and a family of six can enter for only $16.50. If you’re in the mood to idle away the afternoon pondering works of art, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is one of the best spots in town. It’s 90,000 square feet of inspiration and contemplation featuring paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs and more, plus touring national and international exhibits. Admission here is a portrait of value–just $12 for adults, $7 for kids. A family of five can get in for $30.

Explore an Island

McNab Island Provincial Park

McNabs Island Provincial Park is the largest island in the Halifax Harbour. Almost 1,000 acres, it features various military forts, canons and a lighthouse. Hike or bike the over 30 kilometres of roads and trails. Pack a picnic in your knapsack and don’t forget to spend some time combing the beach for interesting stuff. The McNabs Island Ferry, a privately-run operation led by Captain Red Beard, will take you from the mainland to the island and back for $20 an adult. Kids are $10, while children under five are FREE.

See a Show

Shakespeare By the Sea

During the summer months the forest at Point Pleasant Park is home to more than animals and fauna, it becomes the residence of the Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company. For this cheap thing to do in Halifax, bring a blanket and lawn chair and enjoy a presentation of one of the Bard’s best known works while the woodlands, forts and batteries of the park set a dramatic background. Admission is free but a $15 voluntary donation is encouraged.

Cheap Laughs & Movies

See a Cheap Movie

Looking for less drama and lots of laughs? Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club is just the stuff you’re looking for. Cheap laughs can be had on Wednesday when it’s amateur night—admission is only $5. If you prefer to see polished comedians, go on a Thursday when it costs only $12 to come in and split your gut ($5 if you’re a student). Another option for wallet-wise, belly-busting comedy is Bearly’s House of Blues and Ribs. Every Wednesday night amateur comedians take the stage. There’s no cover charge, so getting in the door will cost you whatever you plan to spend on beers and ribs. And lastly, if you want to see a big-budget Hollywood flick without paying a blockbuster price, heading over to the Empire Theatres is the best, cheap thing to do, where on Reel Deal Tuesdays an adult admission is just $6.99.

Be thrifty and practical! This information was accurate when published, but can change without notice. We recommend you confirm all details with the provider in question before planning your excursion.